"Intermittent browser connection problems to websites"

Its often hard for me to get either of my browsers (explorer or firefox) to connect to websites. I often have to press return many times for the connection to go through to a site. Occasionally the problem goes away for a while, but more often the internet becomes impossible to use. But its never as though the modem or whatever has packed-up.

My modem is broadband. I have run spyware search and destroy, but the problem persists. I can't think of anything I have recently changed. I have always used standard Windows firewall.

Hopefully you can borrow enough stuff from a friend that you don't have to buy anything.

In our work, (not knowing exactly what you have) we find the causes go in this order (RJ-45 Connectors on CAT5 cable, USB cable, Round Cable connector, NIC card, Broadband modem). If not these, get your provider to test the system.

Changing the USB socket didn't affect the problem, and the cable is integral to modem. But running a CNET bandwidth test showed it varied from 50-odd kbps to around 300 (and its supposed to be 576). Also disconnecting for 15 seconds seemed to boost the bandwidth at least back to around 300. So I guess the modem is faulty (it is 2 and half years old).

Typical of a Motorola or TwoWire cable modem failure. If you replace it, get a LinkSys four port or larger.

But borrow a cable modem from a neighbor to test it first before you go to any expense. Damage to the cable outside, or to a connector, could be the cause as well... if there is a crimp or dent in the cable, there will sometimes be signal bounce-back that will cause what you report.

And get your service privider tech online to test the circuit from afar... if it is Cox, as that the call be escalated to the techs in Houston.

Also, if you have a next door neighbor on the same cable, that could be a technician error. Those contract guys don't seem to care much.

i have an on going problem with my internet (dsl) dropping out. when i click repair in the local area connections window it comes back for a while(3-5 minutes). i've had the isp guy out to check the line, switched all cables and modem, re-formatted my drives, spyware/virus checks...you name it i've done it. no luck. any advise? i'm spent...thanks.

What happens when you do nothing but unplug your DSL modem, wait 20 seconds, the re-plug it?

Have you tried exchanging the DSL modem with another one connected to a system known to work.

DSL modems are difficult beasts to diagnose, and there is nothing a DSL guy would know by driving there they he couldn't better check from the home base.

See if you can excalate your service problem to a higher level at the DSL provider so they can come into your system from the home office.

My bet is that your DSL modem has failed internally... and that a replacement is in order.
When it is working, run a bandwidth test (do a Google search for Bandwidth test, then select the CNET one.) run it several different times. My guess is that the signal speed is fluctuating from a high of 384 down to 190 to 95 and back with sudden dips down below 45, knocking you off line, then popping back up so that the problem is difficult to detect. If you see a lot of erratic speed changes, that DSL modem could be the cause.

un-plugging does no good. the isp tells me the modem is good. the bandwidth test shows all or nothing. i get good bandwidth when i get bandwidth but the drop outs are random and can only be brought back with that repair button. could it be a hardware prob? my nic card appears to be integral to the m. board. i'm ready to pull my hair out. help.}

ALL isp's say the modem is good. But it is acting like it is bad. And I'll bet it is bad. It is exhibiting all the signs of a bad cable modem.

You can easily find out by renting or borrowing a known good working modem. If the same problem results that you have a strange unfixable problem.

You also should disable the integrated NIC, and install a new or used on in one of the PCI slots... you can also borrow one or get a used one. I sell them for $8.00 used or $18.00 new. Be sure to install the drivers for the new PCI NIC

Then with a new NIC, new drivers, and a new modem, you will know. And you can do it without costing anything,

The ISP doesn't want to provide you with a $60 cable modem. As long as yours works intermittently, they don't have to replace it... unless of course you test it.

Or take yours to a good shop, and let them run a 24 hour test on it.

It has to be the NIC or the Cable Modem or the motherboard or the cable outside... or a badly corrupted Windows operating system.